(Filipenses 4:8) Finalmente, hermanos, cuantas cosas sean verdaderas, cuantas sean de seria consideración, cuantas sean justas, cuantas sean castas, cuantas sean amables, cuantas sean de buena reputación, cualquier virtud que haya y cualquier cosa que haya digna de alabanza, continúen considerando estas cosas.
Something that can help us to combat sin’s grip on the fallen flesh is what Paul went on to say: “The minding of the spirit means life and peace.” (Romans 8:6) Thus, rather than be dominated by the flesh, we must let our mind come under the influence of the spirit and thrive on things of the spirit. What are they? At Philippians 4:8, Paul makes a list of them: “Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things.” Let us take a closer look and get a better understanding of what we should continue considering.
First of all, Paul listed eight moral qualities. We, of course, realize that Christians are not restricted to thinking only on Scriptural or doctrinal matters at all times. There is a wide range of subjects or topics on which we can set our minds. But the important thing is that they must measure up to the moral qualities specified by Paul. Each of the categories of “things” cited by Paul deserves our attention. Let us consider them in turn.
□ “True” involves more than just being true or false. It means being truthful, upright, and trustworthy, something that is real, not merely giving the appearance of being so.—1 Timothy 6:20.
□ “Of serious concern” refers to things that are dignified and respectful. It evokes a sense of reverence, something that is lofty, noble, and honorable rather than vulgar and low.
□ “Righteous” means meeting God’s standard, not man’s. Worldly men occupy their minds with unrighteous schemes, but we are to think on and take delight in things that are righteous in God’s sight.—Compare Psalm 26:4; Amos 8:4-6.
□ “Chaste” means pure and holy not only in conduct (sexual or otherwise) but also in thought and motive. “The wisdom from above is first of all chaste,” says James. Jesus, who is “pure,” is the perfect Example for us to consider.—James 3:17; 1 John 3:3.
□ “Lovable” is that which incites and inspires love in others. We are to “consider one another to incite to love and fine works,” rather than put our minds on things that arouse hatred, bitterness, and contention.—Hebrews 10:24.
□ “Well spoken of” means not just being “reputable” or “of good report” but also, in the active sense, being upbuilding and commending. We set our minds on things that are wholesome and upbuilding rather than demeaning and offensive.—Ephesians 4:29.
□ “Virtue” basically means “goodness” or “moral excellence,” but it can mean excellence of any kind. Thus, we can appreciate the valuable qualities, merits, and accomplishments of others in line with God’s standard.
□ “Praiseworthy” things are truly so if the praise comes from God or from authority duly recognized by him.—1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Peter 2:14.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
What can you do? The Bible gives some good advice on this matter. “Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word,” says Proverbs 14:15. This is not destructive cynicism. It is a realistic reminder of the need for caution. Only a very naive, inexperienced person is going to trust blindly every word he hears. With good reason the Bible proverb continues: “But the shrewd one considers his steps.” English playwright William Shakespeare wrote: “Trust not to rotten planks.” Anyone who thinks that the planks on a bridge over a deep drop may be rotten would be very foolish to step on them. How, then, can you ‘consider your steps’ so that you do not misplace your trust?
The Bible encourages us to test out what people say rather than just blindly accept everything we hear. “The ear itself makes a test of words, just as the palate tastes when eating,” it says. (Job 34:3) Isn’t that true? Don’t we usually taste food before we swallow it? We should also make a test of people’s words and actions before we swallow them. No one who is genuine will take offense if we check his credentials. That we should check to see that something is genuine is supported by the Scottish proverb that says: “He that deceives me once, shame fall him; if he deceives me twice, shame fall me.”
The apostle Paul advised: “Put all things to the test.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, Today’s English Version) The word used by the apostle Paul for “test” was also used in connection with testing precious metals to see if they were genuine. A prudent person always tested to see if what he was buying was genuine. Otherwise he might have ended up with what was called fool’s gold—something that looked like gold but that was, in fact, worthless.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
(Proverbs 14:15) Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps.
Why not check the Scriptures here?
BIBLE ON LINE
¿Qué puede hacer usted? La Biblia ofrece buenos consejos al respecto. “Cualquiera que es inexperto pone fe en toda palabra”, dice Proverbios 14:15. Esta declaración no debe llevar a la desconfianza destructiva. Es un recordatorio realista sobre la necesidad de ser precavido. Únicamente la persona demasiado ingenua e inexperta confiaría ciegamente en todo lo que oye. Con razón, el proverbio añade: “pero el sagaz considera sus pasos”. El dramaturgo inglés William Shakespeare escribió: “No os fiéis de las tablas podridas”. Cualquiera que sospechara que las tablas de un puente sobre un gran precipicio estuvieran podridas, cometería una gran imprudencia si intentara apoyarse en ellas. Por consiguiente, ¿cómo ‘consideraría usted sus pasos’ para no depositar su confianza en la persona indebida?
La Biblia nos anima a analizar lo que la gente dice en lugar de limitarnos a aceptar ciegamente todo lo que oímos. “El oído mismo pone a prueba las palabras, así como el paladar gusta cuando se come.” (Job 34:3.)
¿No es eso cierto? ¿Verdad que gustamos la comida antes de deglutirla? Igualmente, antes de aceptar las palabras y las acciones de la gente deberíamos analizarlas. Ninguna persona sincera se ofenderá si procuramos comprobar sus credenciales. Hay un refrán escocés que apoya el hecho de que debemos comprobar las cosas: “Si alguien me engaña una vez, deshonra para él; y si dos, deshonra para mí”.
El apóstol Pablo aconsejó: “Sométanlo todo a prueba”. (1 Tesalonicenses 5:21, Versión Popular.) El vocablo que utilizó Pablo para “prueba”, también se usaba con relación a comprobar la autenticidad de los metales preciosos. La persona prudente siempre se aseguraba de que el oro que compraba fuera auténtico, de lo contrario, terminaría adquiriendo lo que se conoce como oro de los tontos, un mineral que parece oro, pero que en realidad es de poco valor.
(Proverbios 14:15) Cualquiera que es inexperto pone fe en toda palabra, pero el sagaz considera sus pasos.
